from SPIN

GWAR Frontman Dave Brockie Dead at 50

Richmond, Virginia band’s manager confirmed death of singer, known as Oderus Urungus

Oderus Urungus, David Brockie, GWAR, dead, 50David Brockie performs as Oderus Urungus in 2009 PHOTO BY SPIN

Oderus Urungus, a.k.a. Dave Brockie, the founder and frontman for Richmond, Virginia metal band GWAR, has died at age 50. The Richmond police department confirmed on Twitter that Brockie was found dead in his home. GWAR’s manager, Jack Flanagan, has since corroborated the news.

The cause of Brockie’s death is still unclear. Richmond police told hometown publication Style Weekly they didn’t currently suspect foul play.

“Dave was one of the funniest, smartest, most creative and energetic persons I’ve known,” former Gwar bassist Mike Bishop told Style. “He was brash sometimes, always crass, irreverent, he was hilarious in every way. But he was also deeply intelligent and interested in life, history, politics and art.”

Bishop continued: “His penchant for scatological humors belied a lucid wit. He was a criminally underrated lyricist and hard rock vocalist, one of the best, ever! A great frontman, a great painter, writer, he was also a hell of a bass guitarist. I loved him. He was capable of great empathy and had a real sense of justice.”

[ click to read full obit at SPIN.com ]